Minister’s statement reflects mindset of moral policing

The Union tourism minister’s comments, coming just days after a minister of the state government made similar remarks, suggest that these are not just off-the-cuff observations or the thoughts of just a couple of individuals. They seem to reflect a more widespread mindset of moral policing not restricted to fringe organisations or individuals.

On the previous occasion, Goa’s CM had asked his minister to explain himself, which seemed to suggest he was distancing himself from the comments. The PM must now clarify that what his minister has said is not government policy. The idea that there is one unique “Indian culture” and that things like pubs, short skirts and alternate sexuality have no place in it must be challenged by civil society, but the government has to play its role in stamping out such moral policing.